The Jeffery Concerts

Artistic Director News!

After nearly four decades of artistic leadership, the Gordon Jeffery Music Foundation announces the upcoming retirement of Arthur Rowe, Artistic Director of The Jeffery Concerts, at the conclusion of the 2025–26 season.

The Foundation is deeply grateful for the many years of outstanding artists and programming that Arthur has brought to our stage. His devotion to the series and commitment to artistic excellence has not only enriched the cultural life of London but has made The Jeffery Concerts one of Canada’s most respected chamber music series.

Reflecting on his years as Artistic Director, Arthur writes:

“It has been such a tremendous privilege for me to have been the Artistic Director of The Jeffery Concerts since its inception in 1986. I have absolutely loved the opportunity to make music with so many wonderful musicians over these many years, but even more important for me has been the opportunity to introduce such a wide variety of musicians to our audience; to support and present wonderful young Canadian artists, and to bring to London, artists of world renown who might not otherwise have performed here.
In 1986, I was teaching at Western, having first studied there with Damjana Bratuz, and then at Indiana University with Gyorgy Sebok, before returning to London in 1982. In 1992 however, I was offered a position at the University of Iowa, and from there I went eventually to teach at the University in Victoria, where I still live. Since leaving London, where I knew so many music lovers and musicians, I have continued to enjoy the process of putting together each season of concerts, but it has always been a regret for me to not be able to attend each of the exciting concerts that we have presented. I also direct a Chamber Music series in Victoria, and I engage many of the same artists there, so I do hear them in concert, but what I miss is the experience of enjoying the concerts with you, our audience and supporters of The Jeffery Concerts.
When I informed our Board last year that I would step aside as Artistic Director, it was with the suggestion that it would be terrific for the series going forward, if someone with more presence in the community could step into the role. There were a number of terrific musicians who were considered, each of whom would have brought wonderful things to the series. After careful deliberation, the Board made the decision to engage London’s own Sharon Wei as the next Artistic Director, and I could not be more excited! In addition to her superb reputation as a musician and performer in world-class ensembles, Sharon’s position as a Professor at Western truly makes her a pillar of London’s musical community. Under her direction I know there will be many wonderful years of concerts and activities sponsored by The Jeffery Concerts and the Gordon Jeffery Music Foundation.”

The Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Sharon Wei as the new incoming Artistic Director of The Jeffery Concerts. Sharon will be well known to many of our patrons, having performed on our series multiple times and being actively involved in London’s musical community. She will begin her tenure by planning for the 2026–27 season, and we are confident she will bring a wealth of artistry and enthusiasm to our concert series.

Sharon writes:

“I am honoured to accept the position of Artistic Director of Jeffery Concerts, an organization that has impacted me profoundly through both its outstanding programming and its commitment to supporting music education. Arthur Rowe has established this series as the heart of chamber music in London and after generously sharing his vision and leadership with Jeffery Concerts over the past 40 years, Arthur is now passing the Artistic Director torch to me. Looking to the future, I am excited to bring inspiring artists to London with repertoire that is exhilarating to our audiences and to continue building relationships and exploring collaborations that will bring the joy of chamber music deeper into our community.”

This appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the history of The Jeffery Concerts. Please join us in welcoming Sharon and the many talents she brings to our stage!